Royal Navy and Royal Marines families come in all shapes, sizes and forms, and live in a variety of different ways. Deployments are often unpredictable, and life with a partner or child with SEND needs can be very challenging and lonely, in addition to the ‘normal’ pressures of Navy life.
In light of this, KIDS has developed their support offer, and we are delighted to share two new opportunities for people to come together online, share experiences if they want to, make friends and get further support.
“Before KIDS, we were at breaking point. No service seemed to listen to our issues or take them seriously. We felt very isolated and frustrated. Without KIDS and their dedication to our son and us, I'm very sure that he would have been lost in the system and overlooked. I'm also certain our family life would have been even more strained. With your support, training and understanding, we are a better family and more importantly, our son is happier.”
Anonymous attendee
For parent(s)/carers: Coffee and Connect - We are very pleased to invite you to come to an adult’s monthly online drop-in session, specially created for anyone with lived experience of parenting or caring for neurodiverse children. It’s informal and you can come and go as suits you.
It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with practitioners and specialists who provide guidance, support, and valuable advice. Relax and chat in a comfortable and informal setting, where you can build peer-to-peer connections with others facing similar journeys.
To suit busy schedules Coffee and Connect run monthly so you can choose from either a day or evening slot.
- Online, 19:00 – 21:00, Monday 11th November 2024
- Online 11:00 – 13:00, Tuesday 17th December 2024
Book your place via the KIDS Navy hub here: Coffee and Connect - Kids
For 15-18 years olds: ‘Understanding me’ is a wonderful opportunity for young people to meet others living in military families. This is delivered by naval parents and young people who can help you develop your own practical strategies to enable you to thrive.
Understanding me
- Online, 18:00 – 19:00, Thursday 14th November 2024 - 19th December 2024 (weekly)
Book your place here: Understanding me - Young People 15-18 - Kids
Through funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is working with KIDS to provide comprehensive support for RN/RM serving personnel, spouses, partners and families living with SEND, and in particular, neurodiversity. With our combined efforts, RNRMC and KIDS aim to create an environment where families feel supported, valued, and empowered. Benefiting individual families but also fostering a stronger, more connected community.
Check out the important work by KIDS here: Navy hub - Kids
KIDS would love to hear from and work with young people to co-produce a dedicated Navy hub for children and young adults. If you would like to be involved in this exciting project, please sign up below.
